On Nov. 2, CEDARS celebrated its 14th annual Power of the Purse – the 70-year-old agency’s signature event that brings together local women to raise money for children who have been the victims of abuse, neglect or who are homeless.

In addition to vying for top bid on enviable purses, guests heard from CEDARS board members about their passion for helping kids in crisis and building strong families in this community.

“The kids need adults to be their advocates,” said CEDARS board member Jan Zoucha. “I see where they’ve been given hope and love. And they really just attribute that to CEDARS. So to keep that legacy going is just priceless.”

After hearing from Zoucha and others, guests toasted to CEDARS’ 70 years and pledged support for 70 more.

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In its 14-year history, CEDARS’ Power of the Purse has raised over $1.2 million in cash and in-kind gifts. This year alone, the purse-laden event raised over $96,000 for the children of CEDARS.

“The long-running success of this fundraiser is due to generous support of CEDARS purse donors, event hosts and patrons, event attendees and corporate sponsors,” said CEDARS Executive Vice President Meagan Liesveld. “We simply could not do it without them.”